Writing 7 Outline

C. HillandThe ability to communicate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively is a skill which students continue todevelop throughout their schooling. The basics of vocabulary, grammar, sentence construction and paragraphstructure are taught and retaught at each elementary grade level with increasing complexity, readying studentsfor the essays, reports and exams which will be required in secondary school and beyond. Grade 7 marks thiscrossroad between learning to write and writing to learn, as students must now use their mastery of the basics torepresent their understanding and interpretation of the world in increasingly sophisticated ways. It is my hope,then, that this writing course will enable students to begin the transition from skill development to the utilizationof these skills to develop their ideas and knowledge in all subject areas, to express themselves creatively, and toallow their voices to be heard.Units of StudyWriting Process:- focusing on a topic- determining purpose and audience- developing ideas (brainstorming, comparing, contrasting and researching)- planning and outlining (topic sentence, supporting sentences, conclusion)- paragraph development- editing and rewritingWriting Conventions:- vocabulary, spelling, parts of speech- sentence construction, punctuation- word processing (format, font, spacing and editing tools)Writing Forms:- descriptive and persuasive paragraphs- journals- poetry- creative writing (narrative story)- expository writing (research essay)- speech writingAssessment of Learning:

Classroom activities: grading of worksheets and other daily practice exercises

Journal Writing: grading of journals based on output and extension of topicQuizzes and tests: spelling and vocabulary tests, as well as quizzes based on review of class activitiesWriting samples: finished paragraphs, poems, stories and essays

Note: although students are expected to complete work daily during class time, marks will not be taken off forassignments that are handed in late. Students have until the end of the term to complete the term's assignments,however students who have not completed a number of assignments, and therefore are not achieving a passinggrade, will be expected to attend Academic Intervention until the work is done.Also please note that no homework will be assigned in this class, other than study for quizzes or tests. Extracredit assignments are available for students who complete their daily work quickly or want homework. Thesewill be considered when a student is on the cusp of a higher letter grade. For example a student with a term grade

of 84% would receive an A if they had completed at least one substantial extra credit assignment.Supplies:Students should come prepared to class with a binder, lined paper, pencils or pens, an eraser, and a highlighter.Journals will be provided.Assignment Expectations:

good copies of assignments must be typed (using 12 point, arial font), with name at top left, underlinedtitle centre, and paragraphs must be indentedhandwritten ort printed exercises must be neat and legibleno assignments will be accepted if they are on ripped paperno assignments will be accepted if they contain inappropriate language or subject matter, or if they aredisrespectful of othersplagiarism, copying, or cheating will result in a mark of zero on assignments and tests

Classroom Expectations:

attend regularlybe on timebring the materials you need to classpay attention to instruction without disruptionstay on task when work is assignedallow others to work without distractionkeep your work, supplies and the classroom neat and organizedcomplete and hand in your work daily (or be prepared to stay at lunch until it is complete)

Note: cell phones must not be used during instructional time. If a student has to be reminded of this more thanonce s/he will be asked to leave it with the teacher at the front of the class. If the use of a cell phone is an ongoing problem the parent will be contacted and the student will be expected to leave the phone at home.Contact Information:Caroline Hillandemail: chilland@sd73.bc.cachilland@gedu.sd73.bc.caphone: 250-376-1232cell: 250-319-0502